How chromatographic separation and mass measurement work together without being conflated.
What HPLC shows
High-performance liquid chromatography separates components under defined conditions. The chromatogram presents retention times and detector responses. The relative area of a peak depends on the method, wavelength, sample preparation and integration rules.
What LC–MS adds
LC–MS combines separation with mass-to-charge measurement. It can therefore associate a signal with expected ions and provide stronger evidence of identity. Ionisation response differs between substances, however, so signal intensity is not automatically equivalent to content.
Complementary use
A documented analytical strategy starts with the attribute that must be measured. HPLC and LC–MS can provide orthogonal evidence, but only when procedures are fit for purpose and supported by standards, controls and acceptance criteria.